Will Mthuli Ncube's reforms salvage Zimbabwe's economy?

Zimbabwe’s newly appointed finance minister Mthuli Ncube has released a two-year transitional stabilization programme expected ultimately to help drive the economy into upper-middle class by 2030.

The programme outlines plans to among other things foster inclusive growth, ensure ease of opening businesses and help to close a fiscal deficit – in a country that has no still currency due to hyperinflation that once reached 1000%.

Also this week in business, finance ministers from franc zone – which includes 15 African countries – discussed in a meeting on Monday the need to raise tax revenues so as to curb the worrying level of debt.

French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire chaired the meeting in which a report issued by the Banque de France stated that growth in the franc zone is still “insufficient” to enable “a real economic take-off”.